Every year on Thanksgiving, my gym opens for a few hours in the morning for a last-chance workout before you pork out. I’m hoping to burn off a few extra calories on the elliptical machine so I can indulge in an extra piece of pecan pie without causing too much damage. But I know how fortunate I am to have a pantry full of food. Thousands of St. Louisians go to bed every night with an empty stomach. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving will be no exception.

Team Central Gymnastics in Maryland Heights is hoping to fill some empty bellies this winter with a special kids' gymnastic event. Let your kid burn off some energy by bouncing on a 40-foot trampoline, shimmying up climbing ropes and tumbling on a padded floor for the afternoon. The price of admission for all this fun? A donation of canned foods or non-perishable items to help feed the hungry.

All food collected will go to Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. This nonprofit organization was founded more than 30 years ago when a homeless man knocked on Donald and Dorothy Femmer’s door looking for a bite to eat. Originally opened as a small food pantry and shelter for men, Loaves and Fishes now provides shelter for 200 women and children and food for hundreds of families each year. To learn more about this organization or to donate, please visit the website.

This free kids event is happening on Saturday, Nov. 20, from noon to 1 p.m. at Team Central Gymnastics. While there is no charge to attend, please bring canned foods or non-perishable items for admittance. It is open to 3- to 14-year-olds. No experience is required. Pre-registration is required by noon on Friday, Nov. 19. For more information on Team Central Gymnastics or to register for the event, please give them a call at (314) 291-0101 or visit the website.

 By Andrea Wilson, Events Blogger for SmartParenting